startDispute

async startDispute(walletClient: WalletClient, escrowId: bigint): Promise<string>

Called by buyer or seller when something goes wrong:

• Seller never delivered
• Item not as described
• Buyer claims non-delivery
• Any disagreement after deposit

Calling this:

• Pauses the escrow
• Moves state to DISPUTED
• Opens the dispute resolution phase
• Arbiter (if set) or platform will decide winner

Parameters

• walletClient: WalletClient – Buyer or seller wallet
• escrowId: bigint

Returns

Promise<string> – Transaction hash

import { createPalindromeSDK } from '@/lib/createSDK';

const { sdk, walletClient } = await connectAndInitSDK();

try {
  const txHash = await sdk.startDispute(walletClient, 42n);

  console.log("Dispute opened successfully!");
  console.log("Arbiter will now review evidence");
  console.log("Transaction:", txHash);

  // Escrow state → DISPUTED
  // Next: both parties submit evidence via submitDisputeMessage()

} catch (error: any) {
  if (error.code === "INVALID_STATE") {
    alert("Cannot dispute — escrow not in valid state (must be AWAITING_DELIVERY or similar)");
  } else if (error.message.includes("Dispute already started")) {
    alert("Dispute already in progress");
  } else {
    console.error("Failed to start dispute:", error.shortMessage || error.message);
  }
}